Charlotte City Council Approves $144 Million Plan For Panthers

Charlotte, NC -- Panthers fans can expect to have an NFL team in Charlotte for at least another 15 years.

The Charlotte City Council approved a $144 million plan that should keep the Panthers at their home in Charlotte Friday. Most of the money will go toward upgrades at Bank of America Stadium, the team's home since 1996. The rest of the money will go toward stadium maintenance and paying for traffic control on game days.

Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson made a list of demands for the city, and the council's new deal should meet them. As part of the deal, Richardson must agree to not leave Charlotte through the 2027 season.

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx says the Panthers have been valuable for the region and have helped give residents a sense of unity.